Overview
Cape Girardeau is a city named after a French soldier/trader in southeastern Missouri. Watch out for murals and flood walls in this college town.
2 sights · 1 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Cape Girardeau
Mississippi River Tales Mural
a mural containing 24 panels illustrating the history of the area, the mural covers nearly 18,000 square feet on the downtown floodwall.
Fort D
A Civil War-era fort.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 27°F. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CGI Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, Cape Girardeau — 6 mi away. Directions
- MWA Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, Marion — 42 mi away. Directions
- STL St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St Louis — 109 mi away (major hub). Directions
Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport has service on United Airlines to Chicago.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $56–$96 a night (typical $92), from 5 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$170, comfortable ~$260.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Mississippi River Tales Mural
- Afternoon Fort D
- Evening D'ladium's
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport has service on United Airlines to Chicago.
I-55, Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge
See
See Mississippi River Tales Mural
a mural containing 24 panels illustrating the history of the area, the mural covers nearly 18,000 square feet on the downtown floodwall.
- Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, MO-34. Cable stayed bridge across the Mississippi that is a Cape Girardeau landmark.
- Southeast Missouri State University, 1 University Plaza. Emphasis on arts.
- The Crisp Museum, 518 S Fountain St. Rotating art and history and archeology exhibits. Free classes occasionally. Tel: +1 573-651-2260. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su 1PM-4PM, First Fridays open late.
- Cape River Heritage Museum, 538 Independence St. Small history museum about Cape Girardeau. Tel:+1 573-334-0405 or (800) 777-0068. Th-F Noon-4PM, Sa 11AM-4PM.
Do
- Century Casino Cape Girardeau, 777 Main St. Slots and entertainment and a nice view of the river.
- The Bedell Theater of Southeast Missouri State University
- The Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts of Southeast Missouri State
- Cape Girardeau Bike Trail
- Cape Girardeau County Park Conservation Center
- Cape Rock Park, E Cape Rock Dr. Fine views of Mississippi from this bluff. Hiking and biking.
- Riverfront Park Downtown Cape Girardeau, East Morgan St. Alongside the river.
Buy
Most standard American big box stores, including Walmart, Target, and Lowe's, have a presence in the town. There is also a mall with standard fast-food establishments nearby.
Eat
- Minglewood Brewery, 121 Broadway, They have fantastic pizzas and brew their own beer on site. Neat place in historic downtown Cape Girardeau.
- Dexter Queen, 1109 W Business U.S. 60, Dexter. Bbq.
- Broussard's Cajun Cuisine, 114 Main St. Cajun seafood and steak.
Drink
- Rude Dog Pub, 123 North Main St.
- Spectrum Record Lounge, 113 Broadway St.
- Independence Place, 5 S Henderson Ave. Night club.
Drink D'ladium's
Arguably the best bar in Cape Girardeau. This is the place college students meet locals and alumni. Great atmosphere and has everything one looks for in a bar.
Sleep
Nearby
Cobden
City / town · 6 listings · 22 mi away
Makanda
City / town · 28 mi away
Giant City State Park
Park · 3 listings · 28 mi away
Cairo
City / town · 18 listings · 29 mi away
Sikeston
City / town · 2 listings · 30 mi away
Carbondale
City / town · 28 listings · 34 mi away
Marion
City / town · 2 listings · 45 mi away
Metropolis
City / town · 5 listings · 46 mi away
My experience
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